Seacrest Village: (760) 632-0081 
August 15, 2020

As we reflect on the previous “normal” for Seacrest we are immediately reminded that something has not changed—something is still normal. Something so important as saving lives and taking care of those who came before us remains the “normal” and only because of our Jewish community. It is a blessing to have this support and now more than ever we are grateful to you and we need you.

COVID-19 has shaken our worlds in many ways. For children and teens, it means one thing, for those in college another, for those with small children yet another, and for those in their 90s and 100s it means something profoundly different. Those of us living in our own homes have a choice to wear a mask and run into Target or Sprouts—and as of this writing perhaps get take-out from a restaurant. But for Seacrest residents, choices were suddenly taken away. They cannot choose to run into Target or Sprouts.

Those of us in our homes can take the risk and choose to broaden our Quaranteem, those at Seacrest cannot. By protecting them from the virus, and doing what is deemed critical, their choices have been take away thus further isolating them. Some may ask, “How is this right?” “How is this fair?” As one resident recently said, “Seacrest is keeping us inside and we can’t see our families in person, but Seacrest is keeping us alive and for now, until we know more, that’s got to be good enough.”

And so, what can Seacrest do for residents right now? Seacrest can serve special meals, bring a hairdresser to the campus when possible, afford five residents at a time in the living room for cocktails, and continue to connect them to their families through technology, social media, distanced outside limited visits when it is safe, and by becoming the closest thing to family that many have. And very critically, by providing personal protective equipment to them and to the staff caring for them. These things are done each day.

In the past weeks Seacrest Village began testing all residents and associates. And just days ago Seacrest experienced its first situation of a resident testing positive for COVID-19. Prior to this several employees had tested positive. Grateful beyond words are the families of the residents and associates as everyone is doing well. But Seacrest is in no way out of danger.

And while Seacrest awaits the time when residents can safely return to “normal” perhaps with proper testing and other means, the love and care for them will continue—the same way this Jewish community has taken care of Seacrest since 1945—with compassion, love, dignity and respect. This we know for sure that a pandemic cannot change.

And as one day passes to another for the residents of Seacrest, we ask you to please consider a gift to Seacrest Foundation to help bring personal protective equipment and other critical elements to their lives. Help us make sure they are as safe as possible. Make your gift to the Seacrest Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Fund today and help keep the residents and associates safe. There is no greater gift; there is no greater mitzvah.

As we approach the High Holy Days, we hope for a time of renewal, an opportunity to seek a better and brighter future, and a time to embrace the values of Bittachon, Emunah, and Tikvah—of trust, faith, and hope.

We wish each of you and those whom you hold dear a Shana Tova U’metuka, 

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Robert Haimsohn
President
Seacrest Foundation

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Robin P. Israel, MPA
Chief Foundation Officer
Arthur & Sophie Brody Philanthropy Chair

Seacrest Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to provide resources for Seacrest Village and Seacrest at Home. With your support, we can continue to make life better for the frail and elderly in our community, especially during these challenging times. Please consider those in need—you can change someone’s life.